Chapter 8 Laboratories in the Earth Sciences

Introduction In reviewing and assessing the importance and role of laboratory exercises in earth sciences, we begin with defining the scope of this review. The ensuing discussion is limited to fields of study that have traditionally formed the core of studies of the solid earth, specifically geology, soil science, and geomatics (remote sensing and geographic information systems). Related subjects, such as meteorology and oceanography, have not been reviewed. It also seems reasonable to begin with some general observations which guide the ensuing discussion. Earth science as a discipline is extremely diverse and no consistent definition is available. A robust earth sciences curriculum includes aspects of more traditional disciplines, such as geology, geography, and environmental science. It also generally includes courses that are heavily oriented toward rigorous mathematical treatments (e.g., remote sensing, image processing, geographic information systems), courses with an emphasis on observational inputs (e.g., geomorphology), courses which benefit from hands-on exercises (e.g., mineralogy, petrology), and combinations of theory and observation (e.g., structural geology). In this sense, making the best use of laboratory components in earth science distance